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Museveni, 81, was declared the winner with 72 percent of the vote, while Wine received 25 percent. The president accused opposition forces of plotting to overturn the results through violent means, labeling them as terrorists.
African Union (AU) officials, together with COMESA and IGAD, noted the smooth conduct at locations they monitored, but pointed to intimidation, arrests, and abductions affecting opposition figures and civil society, which they said “instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process.”
According to the Electoral Commission, the 80-year-old president maintained a strong advantage throughout the vote count, reinforcing his grip on power since first taking office in 1986.
In a statement released on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the human rights organization criticized the Ugandan government for blocking social media platforms, messaging apps, and personal emails, plunging the nation into a digital blackout.